HWS News
18 November 2016 Opportunity of a Lifetime in Hong Kong
Christopher Doak '18 was recently afforded what he calls the opportunity of a lifetime to attend a private dinner with the U.S. Ambassador to Hong Kong, Kurt Tong. Doak was invited to attend by Lingnan University, where he is studying abroad on the Colleges' Hong Kong program.
An economics major, he attended along with Tong, Lingnan University President Leonard Cheng, and five other members of the university. "Given my area of study economic development in Asia and general interest in current events, I jumped at the opportunity," Doak says.
Prior to the event, Doak attended a public assembly at which Tong delivered a speech on U.S.-Hong Kong relations. "Tong's speech emphasized the mutual benefit that both Hong Kong and the U.S. would enjoy if relations were continually strengthened," he says.
Following the address, Tong fielded numerous questions ranging from how relations would change under a Donald Trump presidency to the importance of women's advocacy in business.
Doak asked Tong about his thoughts on studying abroad. "Ambassador Tong emphasized that not only do students learn more about the countries and cultures in which they live, but those who study abroad learn more about themselves," says Doak. "I can attest to this firsthand as someone who has had to adopt to a radically new environment."
On campus, Doak is a member of the HWS Debate, and was a semifinalist in the 2016 Stu Lieblein '90 Pitch Contest. He is also a member of Chimera and Orange Key honor societies.
To learn more about the Colleges' Hong Kong program, click here.